Tips When Bringing a Grandchild to Visit a Loved One with Alzheimer’s

By Melissa Hill, 9:00 am on February 8, 2016

The bond between a senior and his or her grandchild is one of the most precious. Yet, Alzheimer’s disease can cause symptoms that are hard for children to understand. Although their grandparent may have difficulty remembering certain things, the love he or she has for a grandchild will always be strong. These tips from leading Oklahoma Alzheimer’s care provider Home Care Assistance will help kids and their families get the most out of visiting a grandparent with Alzheimer’s.

Prepare Beforehand

If it has been a while since everyone has seen each other, it is likely that some personality changes have occurred. Make sure to talk to kids about these changes, and make it clear that it is simply due to the Alzheimer’s disease, and it has not due to anything that the child has done.

Keep It Short

Young children and their grandparents can both get tired from long visits, and it is likely that a grandparent with Alzheimer’s has a regular schedule for naps. Set a time limit, and leave early if it is necessary. You can always come back later after everyone is rested.

Plan an Activity

Enjoying an activity together is a great way to bond, and it is likely that grandparents and their grandchildren share many of the same interests. Listening to music, playing a simple game, and creating art are all great ways to spend your visit.

Encourage Helping

Taking care of a grandparent’s needs is a wonderful way to honor their influence on your life. Kids can get involved with caregiving by doing simple tasks to help their loved one. Children should be encouraged to get their grandparent a glass of water, read from his or her favorite book, or help prepare a snack as a way to show how much they care.

Provide Everyone with a Comfort Zone

A child may be nervous about seeing a grandparent if it has been a long time. Therefore, give them some time to get reacquainted. Young children may prefer to sit on their parent’s lap or go to another area to play for a while. Grandparents with Alzheimer’s may need to go to a quiet space if they are not used to a lot of noise or activity. All of these things are okay, and it is important to allow everyone to gradually renew their bonds.

If your senior relative has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and you’re concerned he or she can no longer live safely alone, reach out to Home Care Assistance and learn more about our comprehensive elder care in Oklahoma. Our caregivers are thoroughly vetted and trained, our dedicated Care Managers are available 24/7, and we never require clients to sign a long-term contract. For more information, please give us a call at 405-285-4191 today.